Independent Football Regulator Contacts West Ham Over David Sullivan Allegations, Citing Suitability Concerns
The Independent Football Regulator (IFR) is engaging with West Ham United to seek "urgent information" from co-owner David Sullivan, concerning his "suitability" under the body's Owners, Directors and Senior Executives regime. This comes after several women accused the billionaire of abusing his position and preying on them for sex, some while in their late teens.
Mr Sullivan has "categorically" denied these claims, which were brought to public attention by journalistic investigations.
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport stated that the "deeply concerning" allegations require "utmost seriousness" and "investigation by the relevant authorities". These claims span decades, originating from women who sought modelling work at Mr Sullivan's Daily and Sunday Sport newspapers, where he amassed a fortune in pornography, newspaper publishing, and later football.
The IFR is expected to utilise its information-gathering capabilities to determine if grounds exist for an investigation into Mr Sullivan's role at the club, assessing factors such as honesty and integrity. Should sufficient material emerge, a formal investigation into his suitability could follow.
Mr Sullivan, 77, stepped down as joint chairman of West Ham ahead of the allegations' publication. He cited a desire to focus on contesting "factually incorrect and entirely false, decades-old allegations" regarding his personal life, describing the investigations as "fundamentally unfair". West Ham issued a statement affirming Mr Sullivan's denial of "illegal conduct" and noting his departure was "to avoid disruption to the club while he addresses the matter privately".
